Joseph Lewis D’Silva
Everything in the world, is a creation of God. He placed Adam in the Garden of Eden and told him to cultivate it and guard it. (Gen. 2:15). In these words, God gave Adam great responsibility to conserve and preserve it for future generations. As we all are descendants of Adam, we become, guardians, trustees and agents of God’s natural resources to preserve it for future generations.
But as representatives, we have only restricted use of this wealth of Nature; after meeting our required needs, we have to leave the rest of these material things of this world for generations to come; just as we surrender, whatever we have, to our successors after our death. According to Gandhi, the notion of trusteeship is based on the needs of an individual and not on his greed.
The commandment of greed is given in Ex. 20:17 to specify it as a reference to Biblical commandment against coveting. The greed of Judas made him betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver coins (Mt. 26:15-16). Similar greediness, has been seen among some of our beloved brethren; by cutting trees that were in the hands of the Forest Department.
God has blessed Goa, with green hills, fertile fields, pristine rivers, broad lakes and mighty forests which are Nature’s beauty; our identity; but it has been many people’s envy. Greed blinds and fools individual’s mind.
It is because of a few, whose greed knows no bound, everyone has to suffer. Our identity is being bulldozed to make way for concrete structures; driven by unchecked development fueled by greed, of consenting politicians and corrupt builders. Our fields are turning into concrete jungles. Our rivers and our forests are polluted from mining overflow and the waste; further endangering freshwater sources that are essential to human and wildlife populations. Some historical important areas are getting replaced with unsustainable schemes that serve only privileged few.
Our environmental laws are often violated because of rampant constructions of hotels, resorts and commercial complexes which are taking place at an alarming rate. These activities not only destroy the environment but also threaten the livelihoods of local communities who depend on the land for agriculture and sustenance.
Our ecology is irreplaceable. If we do not act now to protect it, our future generations will inherit a land that is irreparably damaged. We must unite to demand accountability from our elected representatives. We must insist that environment regulation be strictly enforced and that illegal activities cease immediately. We must support sustainable development practices that respect Goa’s ecology and culture.
The main issues facing the people of Goa include land conversion and forest destruction. People are forced to come on the road to protect the natural heritage for the future generations.
Humanity, through its own madness, has destroyed numerous beings and objects and has thus prepared its funeral pyre. Perhaps, we seem to be following the forecast of the European philosopher Arthur Koestler who predicted, not complete predictions; but reflections on human nature and general trend that Human race is programmed for self-destruction because our evolutionary history consists of aggressive instincts and competition for assets which incline us to conflict. So, although, we know what we should be doing, we do not do it; and while we know what we should not be doing, yet we do it.
By understanding our role as guardian of the Earth, we can work together to protect the natural beauty and resource we have received. It is necessary to take immediate and continuous action to fight against greed-driven development. The legacy we leave behind will shape the world of our children and their children. It is our duty to make it a place where nature and humanity can bloom and blossom together.